How to Reach Mawlynnong: A Journey to Asia’s Cleanest Village

How to reach Mawlynnong is a frequent query among travellers eager to visit this picturesque village in Meghalaya. Known as “God’s Own Garden,” it is also famed as Asia’s cleanest village. This little slice of paradise nestled in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya has been captivating travellers’ hearts for years.

Picture this: you’re standing on a living root bridge, the air around you humming with the sound of waterfalls and birdsong. Above, a canopy of green stretches as far as the eye can see. This is Mawlynnong – where nature and humans coexist in perfect harmony, where cleanliness isn’t just a habit, but a way of life.

Whether you’re dreaming of soaring over emerald landscapes, winding through mist-shrouded hills, or embarking on a journey that’s as enriching as the destination itself, this guide will be your compass. So, let’s embark on a journey on how to reach Mawlynnong by air, train, and road.

1. How to Reach Mawlynnong by Air

When pondering how to reach Mawlynnong by air, let your imagination take flight. While this verdant village doesn’t have its own runway, two airports will serve as your launchpads to this green utopia.

Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport) (SHL) – Shillong:

• Distance from Mawlynnong: Approximately 78 km

• The Lowdown: It’s closer, but flights can be as rare as a cloudy day in Mawlynnong during winter.

• Pro Tip: If you snag a flight here, you’re in for a treat – the aerial view of the Khasi Hills is worth the ticket price alone!

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) – Guwahati:

• Distance from Mawlynnong: About 172 km

• The Scoop: Further away, but offers more reliable connections and a chance to see Assam’s lush tea gardens en route.

• Insider’s Take: The drive from here is a journey in itself – a visual feast that sets the stage for the beauty awaiting in Mawlynnong.

As you descend from the clouds, feel the anticipation build. Your journey to the cleanest village in Asia is just beginning!

2. How to Reach Mawlynnong by Train

Curious about how to reach Mawlynnong by train? Here’s a little secret – there’s no direct rail route to this green haven. But don’t let that derail your plans! The train journey is the opening act of your Mawlynnong adventure.

The nearest major railhead is in Guwahati, Assam. The Guwahati Railway Station is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.

Key Train Stations:

Guwahati Railway Station:

The primary railhead for travellers heading to Mawlynnong.

Kamakhya Railway Station:

Another significant station in Guwahati.

Once you reach Guwahati, take a deep breath of that fresh northeastern air. The most exciting part of your journey to Mawlynnong is yet to come!

3. How to Reach Mawlynnong by Road

This is where the magic happens! How to reach Mawlynnong by road isn’t just a question – it’s an invitation to one of the most scenic drives in India. Travelling by road to Mawlynnong offers a picturesque and adventurous experience. The primary route is via Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, which connects to Mawlynnong through well-maintained roads.

From Shillong:

• Distance: About 90 km of pure visual poetry

• Journey Time: 2-3 hours, but why rush perfection?

• The Route: Wind through the East Khasi Hills, each turn revealing vistas more breathtaking than the last.

• Travel Tip: Stop at the Mawlynnong View Point. The panorama of the Bangladesh plains will leave you speechless.

From Guwahati:

• Distance: Approximately 190 km of ever-changing landscapes

• Journey Time: 5-6 hours of nature’s finest show

• The Experience: Traverse from Assam’s plains to Meghalaya’s hills, watching the world transform around you.

• Must-Do: Make a pit stop at the Dawki River. Its crystal-clear waters are a perfect prelude to Mawlynnong’s pristine beauty.

Key Routes and Bus Stations to Reach Mawlynnong:

National Highway 40 (NH40):

Connects Guwahati to Shillong, providing a smooth and scenic drive.

Shillong-Mawlynnong Road:

Connects Shillong to Mawlynnong, offering a direct route through the lush green hills of Meghalaya.

Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), Guwahati:

The starting point for numerous state-run and private buses to Shillong.

Shillong Bus Stand:

The central bus station in Shillong where most intercity buses terminate and from where you can find transportation to Mawlynnong.

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How to Reach Mawlynnong: A Journey to Asia’s Cleanest Village

1. How to Reach Mawlynnong by Air

Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport) (SHL) – Shillong:

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) – Guwahati: